Custom & Specialty Florida License Plates
What Are Custom and Specialty License Plates in Florida?
Custom and specialty Florida license plates allow vehicle owners to personalize their vehicles while supporting causes, organizations, or affiliations. Issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), these plates feature unique designs or custom lettering while remaining fully compliant with state registration requirements.
Florida offers a wide range of specialty plate designs, including options for military recognition, charities, universities, environmental causes, and professional organizations. Personalized plates, often referred to as vanity plates, allow drivers to request specific letter and number combinations, subject to state approval.
Are Specialty License Plates Legal in Florida?
Yes, specialty license plates are completely legal in Florida when issued by the FLHSMV. As long as the plate is officially approved and properly registered to the vehicle, it carries the same legal standing as a standard Florida license plate.
Specialty plates must be clearly visible, properly mounted, and kept in legible condition at all times.
How to Get a Custom or Specialty License Plate in Florida
Custom and specialty license plates can be requested during a new vehicle registration or at the time of renewal. Vehicle owners choose their preferred plate design and, if applicable, submit a request for personalized lettering.
Applications are typically processed through a county tax collector’s office or an authorized service provider. Once approved, the specialty plate is issued and must be renewed annually along with the vehicle’s registration.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Specialty License Plate in Florida?
Processing times for specialty license plates in Florida can vary. Some specialty plates may be issued immediately at a tax collector’s office, while others, especially personalized plates, may take several weeks to be manufactured and delivered.
In most cases, drivers receive their specialty plate within two to four weeks after approval, depending on availability and customization.
Cost of Custom and Specialty License Plates
The cost of a custom or specialty license plate in Florida depends on the plate type. In addition to standard registration fees, most specialty plates include an annual use fee that supports a designated organization or cause.
Personalized plates may also require an additional customization fee. These fees vary by plate design and vehicle classification.
What Is Prohibited on a Specialty License Plate in Florida?
Florida law prohibits specialty and personalized license plates from displaying offensive, misleading, or inappropriate content. This includes language or combinations that may be considered obscene, discriminatory, or suggestive.
Plate designs or messages that could be confused with official government plates or that promote illegal activity are also not permitted. All custom plate requests are reviewed before approval.
Can You Sell a Specialty License Plate in Florida?
Specialty license plates in Florida cannot be sold to another individual. The plate remains associated with the registered vehicle owner and is not considered transferable property.
In some cases, a specialty plate may be transferred to another vehicle owned by the same person, provided all registration requirements are met.
Renewal and Replacement
Custom and specialty license plates must be renewed annually, just like standard Florida plates. If a specialty plate is lost, stolen, or damaged, a replacement can be requested through the appropriate state or county office, subject to applicable replacement fees.
Why Choose a Specialty License Plate?
Choosing a custom or specialty Florida license plate allows drivers to express individuality, support meaningful causes, or recognize achievements while maintaining full compliance with Florida vehicle registration laws.
These plates offer a unique way to personalize your vehicle while contributing to programs that benefit communities across the state.